Skip to content

Commentary: Anti-bullying effort worthwhile

MVT stock Dan Singleton mug
Dan Singleton is an editor with the Mountain View Albertan. File photo/MVP Staff
For the many thousands of young Albertans who attend schools in this region and elsewhere in the province, their time in class should be both safe and secure.

And that can only happen when those students can go about their activities without the threat of intimidation or violence. Sadly, bullying remains all too commonplace in many schools, making school days anything but ideal for many youngsters.

Thankfully stakeholders including parents, educators, politicians and others continue to work hard to address the bullying issue in Alberta schools.

Whether the time will come when bullying is just a bad memory remains to be seen. What is known is that for now the work must continue to ensure that all students are protected from bullying.

One such effort was announced last week, with the provincial government earmarking an annual grant of $300,000 over four years to support the Respect in School anti-bullying program.

The program educates school system employees about their responsibilities to ensure students are kept safe from abusive situations.

Education Minister Adrianna LaGrange is right when she calls the new program spending both needed and worthwhile.

“All students deserve a positive and caring learning environment,” said LaGrange. “With this grant, we are following through on our commitment to support safe schools that protect students against discrimination and bullying.

“I encourage all school leaders and staff to complete the Respect in School training for the benefit of our children.”

Program co-founder Sheldon Kennedy, a tireless advocate for the rights and protection of young people, says stakeholders working together is the best way to fight bullying.

“We are proud to stand alongside Alberta Education who, through their leadership, is making the safety and well-being of our kids their top priority,” said Kennedy.

“Respect in School will give school leaders the confidence to step up and step in when situations arise and help create safe and respectful learning environments for all students.”

This new provincial grant money aimed at making students safe and secure in their schools is money well spent.

 

- Dan Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor

 


Dan Singleton

About the Author: Dan Singleton

Read more



Comments

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks